COSTA MESA, Calif. (AP) - The family of the late founder of Orange County’s Calvary Chapel has filed a lawsuit against the church, claiming elder abuse and wrongful takeover of his property.
The Orange County Register reports (https://bit.ly/1pCm8Kj) the suit was filed Friday by Janette Manderson, the daughter of founding pastor Chuck Smith, who died in 2013.
The suit claims Smith’s illness and resulting death was exacerbated by the negligent care of a nurse, chosen by his son-in-law, Brian Broderson.
Broderson is Calvary Chapel’s president, and serves as chairman of its board of directors.
According to the suit, Broderson and others on the board used Smith’s failing health as an opportunity to take control of the church.
Neither Broderson nor other board members named in the suit could be reached for comment.
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Information from: The Orange County Register, https://www.ocregister.com
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